Hydraulic coupling

ABSTRACT

A coupling for an hydraulic signal transmission system comprising a male and female portion, each having a plunger actuated diaphragm therein. An O-ring detent is utilized to maintain one of the plungers within its housing and the other plunger may be maintained within its housing by means of a shoulder abutment structure. The male and female housings are maintained in the linked position by means of a quickly releasable spring clip apparatus.

United States Paten Sember et al. A r. 2,' 1974 HYDRAULIC COUPLING3,126,879 3/1969 Canfieldn 92/48 [75] Inventors: Joseph AlexanderSember, Glendale;

Clyde Robert Porter, West Los Primary Examiner-Edgar W. GeogheganAngeles, both of Calif. Assistant Examiner-A. M. Zupcic [73] Assignee:P. L. Porter C0., Los Angeles Calif. 'fittomey Agent or pirm smyth Rosmnand 22 Filed: Nov. 25, 1969 R 57 ABST ACT [21] Appl. No.: 879,805 I 1 Acoupling for an hydraulic signal transmission system comprising a maleand female portion, each having a [52] U.S. Cl ..6.09/{7498,6902//59379228/5278; p g actuated diaphragm therein An O ring detcm [51] Int ClFolb 19/00 FO1b29/00 i 7/00 is utilized to maintain one of the plungerswithin its [58] Fieid 92/48 97 49 62 housing and the other .plunger maybe maintained Z 6 within its housing by means of a shoulder abutmentstructure. The male and female housings are main- [56] References Citedtained in the linked position by means of a quickly re- U ED TES ATE Sleasable spring clip apparatus. 3,572,217 3/1971 Corry 92/48 14 Claims,-5 Drawing Figures lillllirr/ov Fi W l 21 l 31 9 W w A lg I III I Elw n 1HYDRAULIC COUPLING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates toa coupling unit which may be installed in the transmission line of anhydraulic system to transmit a signal from one point to another forremote control or actuation of a controlled apparatus. Such system mightcomprise a control unit and a remote operating unit which areoperatively interconnected by a line containing hydraulic fluid. Thehydraulic fluid is not transmitted from one point to another, but when apressure is exerted upon the fluid at the control unit, a like pressureis exerted on the remote operating unit since the pressure istransmitted through the fluid.

Such hydraulic systems can be used in a large variety of applicationsand have been found to be particularly useful when installed in theassemblies which control the hydraulic locking devices in airplaneseats. An example of such an hydraulic system has been fully disclosedin US. Pat. No. 3,173,263, issued Mar. 16, 1965, and assigned to theassignee hereof.

In airplane seats, the inclinable backrest is normally fixed in anupright position, If the seat occupant desires to tilt the backrest tosome selected angle, he mainpulates a control member, such as a pushbutton on the arm of the chair, and then leans back against the backrestto tilt it. When he actu'ates the control members, he increases thepressure in such an hydraulic system as that described in the abovecited patent, causing the transmission of a signal to an hydrauliclocking device.

Generally, an hydraulic locking device releasably holds the backrest atany selected angle of inclination; it comprises a cylinder and a pistonwhich divides the cylinder into two hydraulic locking chambers. Anormally closed locking valve controls flow between the two lockingchambers. When the control member or push button is actuated, a signalis transmitted to the remote operating unit, opening the locking valveand allowing fluidto flow between the two locking chambers in thecylinder.

Installation and maintenance of such hydraulic systerns in airplaneseatsis often difficult due to the limited space available and also due tothe fact that the hydraulic line from the control mechanism must besnaked through the arm of the seat structure for connection to thehydraulic lock.

During installation and repair, the hydraulic fluid must be injectedinto or removed from many of such systems after the structuralcomponents have been put into place. Any hydraulic fluid lost duringthese operations is not only wastefulbut also potentially damaging tothe surrounding equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a coupling foruse in the hydraulic line between the control unit and the remoteoperating unit. Basically, the coupling is a device which senses anincrease in pressure at the control unit and mechanically transmits aforce through the coupling in response to it. The mechanicallytransmitted force is then retranslated into an hydraulic pressure whichis transmitted to the remote operating unit. Two mating halves of thecoupling are each provided with 2 pistons which are in abutment for themechanical force transmittal when the coupling is closed.

As an added feature, the invention provides a spring clip device whichfixes the coupling members in the mated position, but which may easilybe released so as to open the coupling.

The invention allows an hydraulic line to be broken at an intermediatepoint between a control unit and a remote operating unit without loss ofhydraulic fluid or any prepressurization which may have beenmanufactured into the system. Installation of the device is simplifiedin that less difficulty is encountered in snaking the hydraulic linethrough a seat structure, for example. Installation and maintenance areboth simplified in that the parts can be installed and removed with thefluid in the hydraulic system, obviating the danger of leakage or loss.

An added advantage of the invention is that, when repair is necessary,less time and labor are required for removal of only those structuralelements which must be repaired, since the amount of disassemblynecessary is greatly diminished.

Other advantages of the invention will become obvious to those skilledin the art by reference to the detailed description and accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate what is presently considered to be apreferred embodiment of one mode contemplated for utilizing the novelprinciples set forth in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view of anhydraulic coupling embodying the principles of the present invention,illustrating the coupling as positioned within a remote control system;

FIG. 2 is a view of the coupling similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1,showing the signal transmission structure of the coupling in a secondoperating position thereof;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the coupling in an uncoupled mode thereof;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate, in the closed and opened positionsrespectively, the locking mechanism which maintains the sections of thecoupling in a coupled relationship, as viewed along a line IV-IV of FIG.2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a controlunit generally illustrated at 11 which, when actuated, transmits acontrol signal to a remote operating unit 13. The control mechanism 11and the remote operating unit 13 are completely described in US Pat. No.3,173,263, issued Mar. 16, 1965 and assigned to the assignee hereof. Ingeneral, however, the control mechanism 11 comprises an operatoractuated knob 15 for shifting a piston 17 within a cylinder 19 against aconfined hydraulic fluid and a spring 21 within a chamber 23.

The pressure of the fluid in chamber 23 is transmitted, via a line 25, acoupling 27, and a line 29 to a chamber 31 in the remote operating unit13. The increase in pressure in chamber 31 serves to actuate a diaphragm33 and a rigid metal disk 35, against the force of one or more Bellvillesprings37, to motivate an operating rod 39 which acts to open a normallyclosed.

locking valve in an hydraulic lock (not shown).

Now, with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the coupling 27 is seen to comprise amale coupling member 51 which fits within a female coupling member 53.The male section 51 comprises a first portion 55 which fits within asecond portion 57, a diaphragm 59 being firmly fixed between the twoportions. A fluid chamber or compartment 61, formed on one side of thediaphragm 59, and which may be filled by means of an opening which isnormally sealed by a screw 63, is in communication with the transmissionline 29. A plunger 65 is slidably mounted in a compartment 66 within theportion 55 such that it is in contact with the diaphragm 59 on the sidethereof opposite the fluid chamber 61; it is provided with acircumferential groove 67 which carries an O-ring 69. As shown in FIGS.1 and 3, the O-ring 69 cooperates with a shoulder 71 of the portion 55so as to maintain plunger 65 therein when the coupling is open, as shownin FIG. 3.

Use of the O-ring 69 on plunger 65 provides assembly capabilities whichwould otherwise be unavailable. When coupling member 51 is assembledinitially, plunger 65 is not installed within the compartment 66. Themember is attached to the unit 13 vialine 29 and fluid is placed incompartment 61, line 29, and compartment 31 by means of the openingnormally sealed by fill screw 63. O-ring 69 is then placed within groove67 and the plunger is inserted into the compartment, deforming theO-ring until it passes the shoulder 71. If necessary the open end ofcompartment may be chamfered to facilitate the initial deformation ofthe ring.

After ring 69 passes shoulder 71, it resumes its normal shape and servesas a retainer or detent to hold the plunger in the compartment againstthe pressure it has now created in the chambers 31 and 61 and the line29.

Although both coupling members could be manufactured to utilize thisstructure, another form has been shown for member 53 to provide anotherillustration of the inventive concepts herein.

Referring now to the female member 53 of the coupling, a first portion75 is inserted within a second portion 77, and a flexible diaphragm 79is firmly fastened therebetween. A fill screw 81 in section 77 serves toseal an opening and can be removed to allow fluid to be placed within afluid compartment 83 which is in communication with hydraulic .line 25.

A plunger 85 is mounted in a compartment 86 on the side of diaphragm 79opposite the fluid compartment 83, and, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, itextends through an internal flange 87 in the portion 75 to abut theplunger 65 of member 51. A shoulder 89 on the plunger 85 serves tocooperate with the internal flange 87 to maintain plunger 85 within thecoupling portion 53. When the members 51 and 53 are uncoupled, if it isdesired to maintain the pressure in line 25 at the level normallycarried therein when the actuator member is. not actuated, a spring 91may be positioned between the flange 87 and the shoulder 89 so as tomaintain the relative position of the parts shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

In operation, when member 15 is actuated, pressure is exerted withincompartment 23, line 25, and compartment 83, causing diaphragm 79 andplunger 85 to move to the left from the position shown in FIG. 1 to thatshown in FIG. 2. The movement of plunger 85 causes a similar movement ofplunger 65 so that diaphragm 59 exerts a pressure on the fluid andcompartment 61, line 29, and compartment 31, causing diaphragm 33, plate35 and rod 39 to move to the right from the position shown in FIG. 1.When the actuation of member 15 ceases, the structure returns to therespective positions illustrated in FIG. 1.

If it is desired to ensure that no force is transmitted from the remoteoperating unit 13 to the control mechanism l 1 which could damage it,the plunger 65 can be manufactured so as to be of such diameter that itcontacts internal flange 87, as shown in FIG. 1, and is then restrainedfrom forcing piston to.the right, as shown in the drawings. Thus, thecoupling 27 serves to allow full transmission of force from the controlunit to the remove operating unit, while allowing only a limitedtransmission of force in the reverse direction.

Although the coupling portions 51 and 53 can be maintained in the matedposition by any suitable means, it is preferable that the structureutilized be quickly and easily attached and removed. For this reason, areleasable means has been illustrated to interlock the two telescopingcoupling members 51 and 53 with a snap action when the portions aremoved together.

Referring to FIG. 4, a wire spring 101 having two arms 103 straddles thefemale member 75 for releasable engagement with a circumferential groove105 in the male member 51. The two arms 103 of the spring extend intotwo partially circumferential slots 107 in the coupling member 53. Thearms are connected by a central, outwardly bowed section 109 which, whendepressed, allows the spring to be shifted from the position shown inFIG. 4 to that shown in FIG. 5. Retention of the spring on the couplingis provided for by a peripheral recess or radial opening 111 into whichhookends 113 of the arms 103 are inserted when the spring is positionedon the coupling.

When a radially directed force is exerted on section 109 of the spring,portions 115 of the arms 103 are forced radially outwardly by camsections 117 in the slots 107. This causes the spring to be removed fromthe groove 105 and the coupling members can then be separated. When thecoupling is reassembled, the portions are merely mated and a radiallydirected force is exerted near the hooked sections 113 of the spring,returning it to the position shown in FIG. 4.

Thus, the applicants have provided one embodiment of a new and improvedconcept in the art of couplings utilized in hydraulic signaltransmission systems. Other modifications and alterations will beobvious to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed as the invention is:

1. An hydraulic coupling comprising a first member having a firstcompartment in communication with a first fluid line,

a second compartment having a first actuating means movably mountedtherein, and

means separating said first and second compartments and allowing avariation of the volumes thereof in response to movement of said firstactuating means thereagainst,

a second member having a third compartment in communication with asecond fluid line, a fourth compartment having a second actuating meansmovably mounted therein, and 7 means separating said third and fourthcompartments and allowing a variation of the volumes thereof in responseto movement of said second actuating means thereagainst,

means on said first and second members, for maintaining said first andsecond actuating means in cooperating relationship so that movement of 5one of said actuating means results in an identical movement of theother of said actuating means, and means in said fourth compartmentforming a positive stop which limits the travel in one direction of saidfirst actuating means in said second compartment. 2. The hydrauliccoupling of claim 1 including means on said second actuating meanscooperating with said stop means to limit the travel in one direction ofsaid second actuating means in said fourth compartment. 3. The hydrauliccoupling of claim 2 including means acting between said stop means andsaid travel limiting means on said second actuating means for resistinga pressure force in said third compartment tending to motivate saidsecond actuating means.

4. An hydraulic coupling for use in a system for transmitting a signalfrom a first apparatus to a second apparatus comprising a first memberhaving first fluid actuated means therein, a second member having secondfluid actuating means therein which are positioned so as to be poweredby said first fluid actuated .means, detent means for maintaining atleast one of said fluid actuating means within its respective memberwhen said first and second members are uncoupled, and

means in one of said first and second members for allowing thetransmission of a signal through said coupling in only one direction.

5. An hydraulic coupling for use in a system for transmitting a signalfrom'a first apparatus to a second apparatus comprising i a first memberhaving first fluid actuated means therein, a second member having secondfluid actuating means therein which are positioned so as to be poweredby said'first fluid actuated means,

detent means for maintaining at least one of said fluid actuating meanswithin its respective member when said first and second members areuncoupled, I an external groove in one of said members, a partialcircumferential groove in the other of said members, and spring clipmeans cooperating with said grooves to maintain said members in coupledrelationship. 6. The coupling of claim wherein said spring clip meansincludes a quick release and fastening means thereon. 7. An hydrauliccoupling comprising a first member having a first compartment incommunication with a first fluid line, a second open-ended compartmenthaving a first actuating means movably mounted therein, and

means separating said first and second compartments and allowing avariation of the volumes thereof in response to a change of fluidpressurein said first compartment,

a second member having a third compartment in communication with a second fluid line, an open-ended fourth compartment having a secondactuating means movably mounted therein, and means separating said thirdand fourth compartments and allowing a variation of the volumes thereofin response to movement of said second actuating member thereagainst,

means for maintaining said first and second members i relative positionssuch that the open ends of said second and fourth compartments arelocated so as to maintain said first and second actuating members in anabutting relationship, and

means for positively retaining said first and second actuating meanswithin said second and fourth compartments, thereby facilitating easyseparation and reconnection of said hydraulic coupling with-- out lossof fluid from either said first or second fluid line. I

8. An hydrauilc coupling for use in a system for transmitting a signalfrom a first apparatus to a second apparatus comprising a signaltransmitting member having fluid actuated means therein and extendingtherefrom,

a signal receiving member having fluid actuating means therein andextending therefrom, and 1 means for releasably attaching said signaltransmitting member to said signal receiving member with said fluidactuated means and said fluid actuating means in abutment with oneanother for signal transmission therebetween.

9. A quick disconnect type device for allowing the separation ofportions of an hydraulic pressure line without loss of fluid therefromcomprising:

a first member having a pressure responsive means extending therefrom,

a second member having a pressure generating means extending therefrom,

means for maintaining said pressure responsive means and said pressuregenerating means in abutment with one another for transmission of apressure signal therebetween, and

means for allowing quick separation and reconnection of said first andsecond members so as to withdraw said pressure responsive means and saidpressure generating means from their abutting relationship.

10. In an hydraulic system a first hydraulic line,

means for generating a pressure in hydraulic fluid within said firsthydraulic line at one end thereof,

means for sealing the other end of said hydraulic line including i itmeans responsive to pressure generated by said generating means toassume-a predetermined position within said sealing means in accordancewith pressure generated within said first line,

a second hydraulic line,

means at one end of said second hydraulic line for exerting a force inresponse to pressure within said second hydraulic line,

means for sealing the other end of said second hydraulic line includingmeans for generating a pressure in fluid within said second hydraulicline, and means for holding said pressure responsive means in said firstline in operative relationship with said pressure generating means insaid second line whereby operatorsgenerated pressure created in saidfirst line through said first line pressure generating means istransmitted via said first line, said first line pressure responsivemeans, said second line pressure generating means, and said second lineto said force exerting means. 11. A quick-disconnect type coupling forhydraulic pressure to transmission lines comprising a first and a secondhousing, each having a first and a second chamber therein, meansseparating said first and second chambers in both of said housings, oneof said chambers in each of said housings being a fluid receivingchamber, force transmission means mounted within the other of saidchambers in each of said first and second housings, A

means for maintaining said force transmission means in each of saidother chambers in abutment with one another, and

means for quickly separating said force transmission means and saidfirst and second housings.

12. A device for coupling a first pressure transmission conduit to asecond pressure transmission conduit comprising:

a first hollow housing member having an opened end and a closed end, theclosed end having a fluid port therein receiving said first pressuretransmission conduit, a second hollow housing member having an openedend and a closed end, the closed end having a fluid port thereinreceiving said second pressure transmission conduit, said first andsecond housing members including means being releasably connected abouta longitudinal axis to each other, the opened ends of the respectivehousing members being in facing relationship,

an impermeable membrane including retaining means sealably positioned ineach of said housing members intermediate the length thereof providingin each housing a closed fluid filled chamber having communication withsaid fluid port, and

a piston longitudinally slidable within said connected first and secondhousing members and intermediate and contiguous with said membranes, thepressure in said closed chamber in said housing being imparted by saidmembrane therein to said piston and by longitudinal movement of saidpiston the same pressure is imparted by way of said membrane in theother of said housing to the said closed chamber therein.

13. A device for coupling a first pressure transmission conduit to asecond transmission conduit according to claim 12 wherein said piston iscomprised of a first and second portion, each piston portion having aforward and rearward end, one piston portion being slidably positionedin said first housing member and the other piston portion being slidablypositioned in said second housing portion, said piston portions beingcontiguous at their forward ends and in axial alignment when said bodymembers are connected, the rearward end of each engaging a saidmembrane.

14. A device for coupling a first pressure transmission conduit to asecond pressure transmission conduit according to claim 13 includingmeans of slidably and removably retaining said piston portions in saidhousing members.

1. An hydraulic coupling comprising a first member having a firstcompartment in communication with a first fluid line, a secondcompartment having a first actuating means movably mounted therein, andmeans separating said first and second compartments and allowing avariation of the volumes thereof in response to movement of said firstactuating means thereagainst, a second member having a third compartmentin communication with a second fluid line, a fourth compartment having asecond actuating means movably mounted therein, and means separatingsaid third and fourth compartments and allowing a variation of thevolumes thereof in response to movement of said second actuating meansthereagainst, means on said first and second members for maintainingsaid first and second actuating means in cooperating relationship sothat movement of one of said actuating means results in an identicalmovement of the other of said actuating means, and means in said fourthcompartment forming a positive stop which limits the travel in onedirection of said first actuating means in said second compartment. 2.The hydraulic coupling of claim 1 including means on said secondactuating means cooperating with said stop means to limit the travel inone direction of said second actuating means in said fourth compartment.3. The hydraulic coupling of claim 2 including means acting between saidstop means and said travel limiting means on said second actuating meansfor resisting a pressure force in said third compartment tending tomotivate said second actuating means.
 4. An hydraulic coupling for usein a system for transmitting a signal from a first apparatus to a secondapparatus comprising a first member having first fluid actuated meanstherein, a second member having second fluid actuating means thereinwhich are positioned so as to be powered by said first fluid actuatedmeans, detent means for maintaining at least one of said fluid actuatingmeans within its respective member when said first and second membersare uncoupled, and means in one of said first and second members forallowing the transmission of a signal through said coupling in only onedirection.
 5. An hydraulic coupling for use in a system for transmittinga signal from a first apparatus to a second apparatus comprising a firstmember having first fluid actuated means therein, a second member havingsecond fluid actuating means therein which are positioned so as to bepowered by said first fluid actuated means, detent means for maintainingat least one of said fluid actuating means within its respective memBerwhen said first and second members are uncoupled, an external groove inone of said members, a partial circumferential groove in the other ofsaid members, and spring clip means cooperating with said grooves tomaintain said members in coupled relationship.
 6. The coupling of claim5 wherein said spring clip means includes a quick release and fasteningmeans thereon.
 7. An hydraulic coupling comprising a first member havinga first compartment in communication with a first fluid line, a secondopen-ended compartment having a first actuating means movably mountedtherein, and means separating said first and second compartments andallowing a variation of the volumes thereof in response to a change offluid pressure in said first compartment, a second member having a thirdcompartment in communication with a second fluid line, an open-endedfourth compartment having a second actuating means movably mountedtherein, and means separating said third and fourth compartments andallowing a variation of the volumes thereof in response to movement ofsaid second actuating member thereagainst, means for maintaining saidfirst and second members i relative positions such that the open ends ofsaid second and fourth compartments are located so as to maintain saidfirst and second actuating members in an abutting relationship, andmeans for positively retaining said first and second actuating meanswithin said second and fourth compartments, thereby facilitating easyseparation and reconnection of said hydraulic coupling without loss offluid from either said first or second fluid line.
 8. An hydrauilccoupling for use in a system for transmitting a signal from a firstapparatus to a second apparatus comprising a signal transmitting memberhaving fluid actuated means therein and extending therefrom, a signalreceiving member having fluid actuating means therein and extendingtherefrom, and means for releasably attaching said signal transmittingmember to said signal receiving member with said fluid actuated meansand said fluid actuating means in abutment with one another for signaltransmission therebetween.
 9. A quick-disconnect type device forallowing the separation of portions of an hydraulic pressure linewithout loss of fluid therefrom comprising: a first member having apressure responsive means extending therefrom, a second member having apressure generating means extending therefrom, means for maintainingsaid pressure responsive means and said pressure generating means inabutment with one another for transmission of a pressure signaltherebetween, and means for allowing quick separation and reconnectionof said first and second members so as to withdraw said pressureresponsive means and said pressure generating means from their abuttingrelationship.
 10. In an hydraulic system a first hydraulic line, meansfor generating a pressure in hydraulic fluid within said first hydraulicline at one end thereof, means for sealing the other end of saidhydraulic line including means responsive to pressure generated by saidgenerating means to assume a predetermined position within said sealingmeans in accordance with pressure generated within said first line, asecond hydraulic line, means at one end of said second hydraulic linefor exerting a force in response to pressure within said secondhydraulic line, means for sealing the other end of said second hydraulicline including means for generating a pressure in fluid within saidsecond hydraulic line, and means for holding said pressure responsivemeans in said first line in operative relationship with said pressuregenerating means in said second line whereby operator-generated pressurecreated in said first line through said first line pressure generatingmeans is transmitted via said first line, said first line pressureresponsive means, said second line pressure generating means, and saidsecond line to said force exerting means.
 11. A quick-disconnect typecoupling for hydraulic pressure to transmission lines comprising a firstand a second housing, each having a first and a second chamber therein,means separating said first and second chambers in both of saidhousings, one of said chambers in each of said housings being a fluidreceiving chamber, force transmission means mounted within the other ofsaid chambers in each of said first and second housings, means formaintaining said force transmission means in each of said other chambersin abutment with one another, and means for quickly separating saidforce transmission means and said first and second housings.
 12. Adevice for coupling a first pressure transmission conduit to a secondpressure transmission conduit comprising: a first hollow housing memberhaving an opened end and a closed end, the closed end having a fluidport therein receiving said first pressure transmission conduit, asecond hollow housing member having an opened end and a closed end, theclosed end having a fluid port therein receiving said second pressuretransmission conduit, said first and second housing members includingmeans being releasably connected about a longitudinal axis to eachother, the opened ends of the respective housing members being in facingrelationship, an impermeable membrane including retaining means sealablypositioned in each of said housing members intermediate the lengththereof providing in each housing a closed fluid filled chamber havingcommunication with said fluid port, and a piston longitudinally slidablewithin said connected first and second housing members and intermediateand contiguous with said membranes, the pressure in said closed chamberin said housing being imparted by said membrane therein to said pistonand by longitudinal movement of said piston the same pressure isimparted by way of said membrane in the other of said housing to thesaid closed chamber therein.
 13. A device for coupling a first pressuretransmission conduit to a second transmission conduit according to claim12 wherein said piston is comprised of a first and second portion, eachpiston portion having a forward and rearward end, one piston portionbeing slidably positioned in said first housing member and the otherpiston portion being slidably positioned in said second housing portion,said piston portions being contiguous at their forward ends and in axialalignment when said body members are connected, the rearward end of eachengaging a said membrane.
 14. A device for coupling a first pressuretransmission conduit to a second pressure transmission conduit accordingto claim 13 including means of slidably and removably retaining saidpiston portions in said housing members.